Thursday, May 14 – Aosta and Biella - Part II

The rest of the recounts here were written back in the USA (in July! – I’ve stayed busy this summer!)We first drove and hiked up to the old part of town, with a wonderful view of the rest of the city. Overlooking the city were many locks of love – padlocks with lovers names written on them, attached to a chain in that lovely spot, the key then thrown away to symbolize their everlasting love. Very romantic! (although we did see what appeared to be the same guy on two locks...)

Walking undercover.

Ruth and Stephanie scope out the streets.

Looking over the view from the top of the funicular.

Biella seen from the top of the Funicular.

Gianni in Biella.

Locks of Love.

The group congregates by the view and the locks.

We then hiked down and drove into the city center. Lunch was at the meeting place of all the clubs in town (their plaques plate the entryway) with a few club members and our hosts of the day – a beautiful building, vaulted ceilings, tall doorways and windows. We were able to talk to the woman who had planned our missed morning visit to the local textile University. Fascinating information.

Our lunch with a few Rotarians, in their official meeting locale.

Wine with lunch.

Ruth exchanges banners with the Club President.

After lunch we went to Menebrea and Sons brewery. Established in 1846, it was a wonderful tour – first through their small museum with the current “Son” then through the brewing process with their German Brewmaster.

Stephanie and Kelli sit on an old-style delivery car.

Chatting with Rotarians and the head of Menebrea.

Franco Thedy, current "son" at Menebrea.

Jim with tons of kegs!

The German brewmeister.

We learn from the master.

Stopping off at a cafe.

Our hosts, hanging at the cafe.

In the parking lot, with the funicular hill in the background.

The drive back to Aosta was beautiful (the earlier rain was long gone), winding over mountains (on a different route chosen by Gianni). None of us wanted to commit to a specific dinner time, as we had the evening free, and we all parted ways.

I was determined to see a view of the city from as high up the hill as I could get before dark. I started hiking up zigzagging streets until I found a hiking trail that went straight up the hill. Because of the trail I made it up to a beautiful vantage point as the sun dropped lower in the sky (although it was cloudy enough that there wasn’t really a sunset), then took the windy streets back down as I’m not very good at hiking down steep slopes.

Beautiful gate next to the hiking path out of Aosta.

Field, house, and Aosta from above.

The city of Aosta.

I ended up at dinner right after Ruth and Gianni had ordered, and we were joined a couple courses in by the other three. The constant additions to the group annoyed the wait staff though – can’t blame them for that!